Sri lanka Tourism held a Press Conference on 30 January in Delhi, announcing a path breaking record of historic growth, with 384, 628 arrivals from India market in 2017. Sri lanka is growing as, ‘a destination for all seasons’. It has recently been awarded as the, “Emerging destination of the year” by Conde Nast Traveller India and “Asia’s leading Adventure Tourism Destination of the year” in 2017.
The Survey conducted by Sri lanka Tourism, highlights that, 63.7 per cent of Indians opt for Sightseeing excursions and 49.82 per cent go for shopping while 41.64 per cent prefer Sea Bathing and 32.74 per cent spend hours swimming in the pool.
Around 37.01 per cent Indian travellers visit the historical sites in Sri lanka while Wildlife remains to be the choice for 21 per cent only. The overall experience of the Indian visitor to Sri lanka, as per the survey, has been very delightful for 69.1 per cent and satisfying for 30.69 per cent.
The other important highlights of the survey conducted, shows that, 44.84 per cent Indians come home with a memory of Sri lanka being a beautiful tropical country; 29.54 per cent say that the people of Sri lanka are nice and hospitable; 24.2 per cent talk about the pristine beaches with golden sand; while, 24.20 per cent loved the diverse attractions on this small island. Sri lanka, in todays’ date takes immense pride in 30.25 per cent Indians, who know the country well and visit time and again!
Witnessing the growth and potential from India, Sri lanka Tourism will be participating at SATTE-2018, with 52 travel agents and hoteliers.
While the pristine beaches and cultural aspect of Sri lanka, is already being explored by Indian guests, however, key area of focus for this years’ participation would be to promote Film tourism, Destination Wedding, Religious and Pilgrimage tourism (Ramayana Trail). A “tea bar” representing “Ceylon Tea” will be located at the Sri lanka pavilion 2018 at SATTE.
Sutheash Balasubramaniam, Managing Director, Sri lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, on his visit to India said, “India continues to be our top source market. We believe that the potential of the Indian travel market is yet to realise in terms of attracting longer stay and higher spending travellers. It is our fervent hope to make Sri lanka the most preferred destination in Asia for Indian travellers. Sri lanka offers travellers an array of diverse product offerings and experience spread across the small island and caters to all ages.”
Sri lanka is a top-notch tourist destination and known as the Wonder of Asia for its long-preserved culture and heritage. Sri lanka is the home to eight UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned in “Sigiriya Rock Fortress” the succession of ancient civilisations of the Island, showcasing in addition some other attraction that are interesting colonial legacy of the country.